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Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Thursday, 12 Feb 1998

Vol. 487 No. 2

Written Answers. - Educational Standards.

John Browne

Ceist:

65 Mr. Browne (Carlow-Kilkenny) asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the recent OECD finding indicating that over 20 per cent of Irish 13-14 year olds have low reading scores, a ratio far ahead of the average in the 18 countries reported; and his views on the policy initiatives necessary to address this problem. [3629/98]

Michael D'Arcy

Ceist:

88 Mr. D'Arcy asked the Minister for Education and Science if his attention has been drawn to the recent OECD finding indicating that over 20 per cent of Irish 13-14 year olds have low reading scores, a ratio far ahead of the average in the 18 countries reported; and his views on the policy initiatives necessary to address this problem. [3630/98]

I propose to take Questions Nos. 65 and 88 together.

I am aware of this recent OECD report which is based on an international reading literacy survey carried out in 1991. As the report points out it would be a normal expectation that about 15 per cent of the population in any of the participating countries would have a low reading score. In the case of Ireland and a number of other countries a somewhat higher rate of 20 per cent was shown and other countries had even higher rates.

A number of policy initiatives have been put in place to address this issue. Special education facilities including enhanced remedial provision, visiting teacher services and teacher counsellors have been put in place. Measures to help disadvantaged pupils at primary and second level have been strengthened. The pupil-teacher ratio at primary level has been reduced. Foundation level syllabi in English and Irish at junior certificate level have been provided. A junior certificate school programme has been introduced to help a small minority of students whose learning needs are not adequately met by the present junior certificate. The revised primary curriculum will have specific emphasis on reading literacy. A new scheme is being introduced to help eight-13 year olds who are in danger of leaving school early and who may have literacy problems.

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